Drs. Dungey, Menser & Associates

Victoria and Waconia.  952-443-2816

City of Lakes & Parks  952-443-2363

Creating great spaces for over 40 years.

952-368-4545

The Victoria Chamber of Commerce

952-334-7135

Experience God in a personal way. 

952-443-0062

Victoria American Legion

Post #1995.  Serving America.

The Victoria Fire Department

City of Victoria  952-443-2771

The Victoria Grapevine

A directory of Victoria businesses.

Located at www.VictoriaGazette.com

WATERBROOKE

Fellowship

Home Page

The Victoria

GAZETTE

8661 Deer Run Dr. * Victoria

952-443-2351

Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box: Text Box:

Headlines

and bylines

Front Page

Feature Story

From the

Editor

Addie’s

Drawing

Letters

to the Editor

Victoria

Moments

Hook

Line & Sinker

Calendar

of Events

Click here to

Advertise

Email

the Gazette

Return to

Home Page

Order

paper Gazette

Notes and

Quotes

The Scoop

at City Hall

VICTORIA CHOOSES NEW PUBLIC WORKS SITE

STILL CONSIDERING OPTIONS FOR CITY HALL SITE

          On March 25th, City Manager Don Uram said he expects a purchase agreement on property at 8099 Bavaria Road by April 8th.  If all goes as planned, the property will be the site of the new Victoria Public Works Building and Grounds.

         "A draft is in place," he said.  "I'm looking for a solid proposal by April 4th and then I want to get it to the council as early as possible.  The price will be public when the purchase agreement is on the council agenda for approval, hopefully April 8th."

         The property is owned by Caroline Hartman and son Jeff Hartman, who is the personal representative of the Estate of Marvin Hartman, according to Mr. Uram.  It is currently part of Hartman Tree Farm.

         Said Mr. Uram, "The total site is about 27 acres.  We are proposing to buy between  10 and 12 acres.  The site is big enough to also include a new City Hall but some of the council have indicated that their preference is to be downtown."  The P.W. Building would be located on the north end of the property.

         Asked Councilmember Joe Pavelko, "How are we making decisions in regard to the design of the Public Works Building?" 

         Replied Mr. Uram, "Staff has been looking at a design for months, including our Public Works people and the architect."

***

         Mr. Uram had reviewed on March 11th the history and prospects of getting a new Public Works Building and a new City Hall in Victoria. 

       A Public Works Building.  "It started several months ago when we looked at the 94 acres," he said, referring to the city-owned property currently in Laketown Township.  "That building would be expensive to build because there are no utilities.  It's also on a county road so turn lanes would be required.  It's a significant cost.  So staff looked at other alternatives."

         "There is a ten-acre parcel on Bavaria Road, on the Hartman Tree Farm, and the possibility of them selling it," continued Mr. Uram.  "Utilities are close.  It's centrally located.  The site is relatively flat.  We would not have to make improvements to Bavaria Road.  We did have a rough site plan.  It would accommodate our needs.  If we can't reach an agreement, the only other option is the 94 acres."

         A City Hall.  "We have the opportunity to lease space from a local developer," he said.  "Numerous options are on the table.  We've talked about the acquisition of Mrs. Johnson's home in order to build a bigger building."  Prior discussion focused on building a new City Hall in downtown Victoria between the Post Office and Mrs. Johnson's home.

         Said Councilmember Joe Pavelko, "I'm a little frustrated that this is the frist time we've talked publicly about this.  It's frustrating to me -- but it's probably the only way to do it -- that we can't let people hear it and make their own decisions."

         Council has held closed sessions to discuss and negotiate in regard to various proposals for the new city buildings.

         Said Mr. Uram, "We've had numerous discussions.  I agree with what Councilmember Pavelko has said.  The alternative site for the Public Works building has just appeared.  Council would need to approve a purchase agreement.  There will be several opportunities for the public to weigh in.  It's hard to comment at this time on City Hall because there are so many options."

 

Click here for more City Scoop.

Text Box: The Scoop at City Hall

April 2013